From Moshood Karim
The defamation and cyberstalking case brought against Leftist Omobude Agho, Coordinator-General of the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOSCO), has been adjourned after a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Benin City on Monday.
The case, which has attracted significant public interest, was filed by Mrs. Betty Otimenyin in response to a publication involving allegations of a reign of terror in Ugbineh Community, Ovia Northeast Local Government Area, by one Dominic Edobor, a former community leader known as an Okaghele.
Mrs. Otimenyin claimed that the article, penned by Agho, amounted to defamation of character and cyberstalking.
At Monday’s hearing before Honourable Justice B.O. Quadri, both the plaintiff and her legal counsel failed to appear in court.
The absence sparked concern from the defense team led by Barrister U.L. Osa-Uwagie, who immediately called for the case to be struck out, citing Section 351 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA), which allows for the dismissal of a case in the event of the non-appearance of the complainant.
In a heated exchange, Barrister Osa-Uwagie argued for the case’s dismissal, but Justice Quadri denied the motion, ruling instead to adjourn the proceedings.
Despite the absence of the plaintiff, the judge refused to strike out the case, referencing additional legal considerations.
Outside the courtroom, a notable presence of heavily armed police officers was observed, underscoring the tension surrounding the case, which has drawn attention to issues of freedom of speech and the power of social media in Nigeria’s civil society space.
The court has now scheduled the next hearing for 26th November 2024, where both parties are expected to present their arguments.
